The automotive industry is a constantly changing field. New technologies are rapidly being adopted to stay on top of trends and improve efficiency. Car buyers are constantly wanting the best performing and safest vehicles, but they don’t want to pay more for them. One technology has remained a constant: water jet cutting. That’s because water jet technology is extremely versatile and capable when it comes to cutting composites. It can cut through steel and titanium with ease. The vehicles are more structurally sound and precisely built while remaining affordable. Let’s take a closer look at the role water jet cutting in San Francisco, CA plays in the automotive industry.
What is water jet cutting?
Water jets are almost like high-pressure liquid sandpaper. They use a state-of-the-art process known as cold supersonic erosion to blast away the material with water and a granular additive. With this combination, a water jet can cut through metals nearly a foot thick with an incredible high degree of accuracy. It’s also pretty easy to use, which is why it’s a popular choice for car manufacturing.
The appeal of water jet cutting in the automotive industry
There are a few different reasons why water jet cutting is so prevalent in the automotive industry. First, water jet cutting gives the manufacturers a lot of adaptability. They can easily adjust the water jet settings to fit the precise requirements needed to create a specific part accurately every single time, as the parts need to be uniform. Even the smallest mistake could slow production and cost the manufacturer thousands of dollars. There’s absolutely no margin for error, which is why the exact precision of water jet cutting is such a perfect solution.
Water jet cutting is efficient, too. One cutting station can cut through multiple parts and materials without ever having to change anything other than the software programming. This can reduce both costs and production time.
Additionally, water jet cutting can handle a long list of different materials. Traditionally sensitive materials like rubber, brass, copper, glass, stainless steel and aluminum can be cut exceptionally well using the water jet cutting method. This is because water jet cutting uses a cool-cutting process that doesn’t create heat zones, like many traditional methods. Because of this, the process won’t undercut the structural integrity or create annoying microscopic cracks.
It is important to note that water jet cutting has seen increasing popularity recently because it is environmentally friendly. Water jet cutting only uses water and an abrasive material, which eliminates the production of any hazardous dust and gases.
Interested in water jet cutting services in San Francisco, CA?
Want to learn more about the impact that water jet cutting has had on car manufacturing? Mach 1 Waterjet, Inc. has been a premier choice for water jet cutting services in San Francisco, CA for more than two decades. As a locally owned and operated company, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with top-of-the-line services and exceptional workmanship for a fair price. Contact our expert team today to get started!